Anti-fibrotic Activity of AVID200, a novel TGF-beta 1 & 3 inhibitor, to be Featured in an Oral Presentation at the Upcoming Keystone Symposia on NASH and NAFLD

Two Phase 1b clinical trials of AVID200 in fibrotic diseases cleared by FDA and will commence early 2019

(Dec. 20, 2018) – Forbius, a clinical-stage company developing biologics for the treatment of cancer and fibrosis, announced that its Chief Scientific Officer, Maureen O’Connor, will be giving an oral presentation reporting on AVID200’s broad activity in fibrotic diseases at the Keystone Symposia on Integrated Pathways of Disease in NASH and NAFLD. Additionally, AVID200 will be featured in a poster presentation.

AVID200 is an isoform-selective and highly potent inhibitor of TGF-beta 1 and 3, the two principal pro-fibrotic TGF-beta isoforms. TGF-beta has been widely accepted as a central regulator in the pathogenesis and progression of fibrotic diseases, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). AVID200’s potent anti-fibrotic effects have been demonstrated in several preclinical studies.

Importantly, AVID200’s selectivity for TGF-beta 1 and 3 was designed not only for optimal efficacy, but also to circumvent cardiac and other safety issues which have limited the applicability of older generation, non-selective TGF-beta inhibitors.

Phase 1b clinical trials evaluating AVID200 in two fibrotic diseases, systemic sclerosis and myelofibrosis, have been cleared by the FDA and will begin early 2019.

Presentation Details:

Development of AVID200, a TGF-β inhibitor with Optimal Isoform-Selectivity for Treatment of Fibrotic Diseases

About AVID200

Forbius developed AVID200 to be a highly potent and isoform-selective TGF-beta inhibitor. AVID200 neutralizes TGF-beta 1 and 3 with pM potency. These isoforms are known to be drivers of fibrosis and tumor immune resistance. In contrast, TGF-beta 2 is a positive regulator of hematopoiesis and normal cardiac function, therefore blockade of TGF-beta 2 is undesirable. The ability of AVID200 to selectively target TGF-beta 1 and 3 positions it to be an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic in fibrotic diseases and immune oncology.

About Forbius: Targeting TGF-beta and EGFR Pathways in Fibrosis and Cancer

Forbius is a clinical stage protein engineering company that designs, develops, and commercializes biotherapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis and cancer. Our current focus is the development of agents targeting the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways.

Our lead program targeting the TGF-beta pathway is AVID200. AVID200 is a rationally designed and highly potent TGF-beta 1 & 3 inhibitor. This TGF-beta isoform selectivity was chosen in order to achieve an optimal therapeutic index. The AVID200 program has been cleared by the FDA for two Phase 1b clinical trials in fibrotic indications, as well as a Phase 1 clinical trial in solid tumors. Additional clinical trials in fibrotic indications are planned for 2019.

Forbius' lead program targeting the EGFR pathway is AVID100. AVID100 is an anti-EGFR antibody-drug conjugate. This program has completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and has commenced Phase 2a clinical trials in EGFR overexpressing solid tumors.